Cristobal Huet headed back to Switzerland
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Cristobal Huet is reportedly heading back to Switzerland for the 2010-11 season. The French-born Huet is said to have signed a one-year deal with HC Fribourg-Gotteron of the Swiss National League A.
The 34 year-old began his career in Switzerland, playing for HC Lugano, but left after being selected by the Los Angeles Kings 214th overall in the seventh round of the 2001 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft. Huet spent two years with the Kings before leaving to join the Montreal Canadiens, where he made a name for himself as an elite netminder. He was then signed by the Blackhawks for the start of the 2008-09 season. Huet still has two years left on a contract, which pays him an average of $5.625 million a season.
Because Huet is under contract for the next two seasons, he will have to be loaned to HC Fribourg-Gotteron for the upcoming campaign, something the Blackhawks will be happy to carry out. Currently sitting over $4 million above the salary cap, shifting Huet’s contract off their books for the season will give General Manager Stan Bowman $1 million in cap space. Nonetheless, it is not yet apparent when Huet would be clear for re-assignment. The date will determine how much money will come off of the Blackhawks books.
Even though Huet is moving to the Swiss League for the season, he will once again be placed on Chicago’s roster for the 2011-12 campaign.
Huet was out-battled for the starting job last year by newcomer Antti Niemi. After Niemi’s departure, through free agency, Huet was once again rendered expendable when the Blackhawks signed veteran netminder Marty Turco.
Last season with the Blackhawks, Huet managed 26 wins with a 2.50 goals-against-average and a .895 save percentage in 48 games.
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